REPORT: Four-try haul not enough to secure victory

PARK ran in four tries to pick up a bonus point, but they were outscored by hosts Anselmians on Saturday.

They do not play again until later this month, time enough to recover some of those players ruled out of the weekend’s clash with injury.

The lead was established at the weekend when Harry Stubbs evaded a last-ditch tackle to cross the line after Jack Williams had returned a pass that had been popped to him from the base of a scrum.

Sam Brookes promptly kicked the first of four conversions.

The home team used their superior size and power to gain field position, a rolling maul helping them to restore parity after a lineout close to the corner.

A second converted score put them 14-7 in front at half time.

The outcome was settled in the minutes following the interval, a period during which Anselmians ran in three tries as they punished Park’s defensive sloppiness.

To the credit of Mark Warr’s men, they rallied.

Stubbs touched down under the posts after Chris Heale turned over the ball, Brookes adding the extras.

Winnington’s forwards laid the foundation for a flowing move that led to the visitors’ next score, Alex Glendinning showing strength in a wide position to cross in the corner.

Brookes’ third conversion followed.

Anselmians remained ruthless, again making the most of a defensive distraction to add to their tally, though Park at least made sure they returned to Burrows Hill with something to show for their effort by notching a fourth try.

Tim Jones set a drive in motion for a second time after an initial attempt failed, leading to Glendinning grounding the ball.

Winnington are nine points clear of the drop zone in eighth place, a position they can strengthen by beating Hoylake at home a week on Saturday.